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Thoughts

Changes Around Here + Things I’m Loving Right Now

February 19, 2019 By Robyn 63 Comments

Hello again! I’ve spent the past few months on maternity leave and it’s been soooooooo good. I’ve really, really enjoyed not working and just taking an intellectual break. While I love my work, I was plain burnt out near the end of 2018. Not so much physically, but mentally. If I’m being totally honest, work just felt blahhhh. I think being very pregnant contributed, but I don’t think that was the entire reason. I think over the past year, my ability to produce content has fizzled a bit…or a lot?

I wrote about changes you could expect in this space come 2019 over in this post  – shifts with the blog, email newsletter, etc. And while I’m definitely not in a “flow” with work and still very much figuring out what this new identity of mom + career woman looks like, I continue to feel my energy being pulled towards speaking + teaching + working with people 1:1 either in clinical work or private practice and not so much writing and creating content whether that’s in an email newsletter, blog posts or social media. It feels weird to share that since I’m sitting here typing a blog post telling you I don’t love writing blog posts, but I hope that makes sense?? I am deeply passionate about the message I share, but it’s as if my brain is exhausted after years of putting so much content out on both the blog and social media. I thought maybe a couple months totally off would light a spark back in me, but I’ve still got no sparks over here…

So I’m trying to figure out how to best educate and empower women without feeling like I have to write these story like Instagram captions and well written blog posts. That just isn’t jiving with me. This feeling is exactly why I love video and doing things like Instagram lives or stories because I can still share the message and information I love with you, but I get to talk to you instead of write to you and it’s “unedited” in a way. I enjoy that! I use to do YouTube videos like 3 or 4 year ago and really enjoyed that, but then every one started doing all this fancy editing of their videos and I felt like mine were 0% professional. So I was like welp….that sucks that I feel like I can’t put this out there anymore unless I learn to edit videos or hire someone. And I don’t want to do either so maybe I should just post low quality videos again lol.

In short, given all this blabber from me on how I enjoy talking + video over writing and blog/IG posts..what kind of content would YOU want to see? What do you actually find value in? This has always been a space to serve women, so I want to hear from you in the comments! 

Professionally, I feel like things shifted a bit for me after having Caleb. I had zero desire to use my brain for a solid 8 weeks. Thankfully, a couple weeks ago, right as I was about to slowly start seeing clients again, I felt excited about dusting off my intellectual abilities. And over the past few weeks I’ve really enjoyed seeing a client or two in the morning before Nick leaves for work and then, besides a couple email check ins, shutting work down for the rest of the day.

Additionally, I feel my interests shifting weight. I’ve always been passionate about women’s health + eating disorders. But over the past couple months I feel like I’ve developed this desire deep within my bones to really pour my time and energy into primarily women’s health work. The cool thing, and also unfortunate thing, is that eating disorders and disordered eating will always be interwoven with women’s health work because of the diet ridden culture we live in. And while I hope one day eating disorders and diet culture are no more, right now that’s sadly not the world we live in. So right now, it feels really right to be investing my time and energy into women’s health through an intuitive eating and HAES framework and less on eating disorder work alone.

The two go hand and hand in a lot of ways – almost every eating disorder client or patient I see has a c0-occurring women’s health issue. And often times when I see women with health concerns, there is underlying disordered eating or a full blown eating disorder. I still very much enjoy working with my current eating disorder clients, but giving myself permission to devote less time to eating disorder nutrition counseling and lean primarily into women’s health moving forward has felt really good. I want this shift to be reflected in the content I put out there.

Over the past month, I’m thankful there have been several speaking opportunities throughout the year and new NP opportunities here in Boston that are going to allow me to invest more in women’s health using a Health At Every Size framework. I’ll be sharing more of upcoming events on social media so look out for that!

So that’s where I’m at and where I see this space going. I hope you’ll stick around and I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. I’ll be back in March (how in the WORLD is it almost March?!) with some topic focused posts, but in the meantime here are a few things I’m really into right now.

My friend Whitney (who started the Letter Project – check it out) made these cookies all the time and at first I thought it was weird to make cookies with chickpea flour. But she raved about them and I’m into trying new things. Plus I do like that I can snack on them mid afternoon and 1) they’re satiating because of the extra protein in the chickpeas and 2) I can eat a few and not end up with a belly ache. I think of these as a snack cookie, not a replacement for Tollhouse. Nothing replaces Tollhouse cookies.

My Yeti travel mug. I LOVE THIS THING. I use it everyday. I use it for smoothies, tea, and coffee and they all stay hot and cold for hours. I can see how it’s worth the extra $$. This would make a great gift. I just gave one to Nick for Valentines Day. Does that make me super lame? I’m now gifting travel mugs to my husband on romantic holidays…

Doing this stretch with my foam roller multiple times a day. Lay on your foam roller vertically and fan out your arms. Move your arms up in a V shape for a more intense stretch. I’m curling in my chest all day so stretching it out feels sooo good. If you sit at a desk most of the day hunched over a keyboard (which hello, most of us do) do this stretch. I feel like I breathe deeper and stand up straighter after doing it.

This new photo app, Collect. Anybody else get super overwhelmed by all the photos on your camera roll because you want to organize them, but you don’t know what to do? Only me? Ok. Still check this app out. You can upload your favorite photos of the day and caption them, add tags for easy searching and other stuff. As Marie Kondo would say, pick the ones that bring you the most joy, save them and delete the rest.

See you back here in March!


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Filed Under: Thoughts

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Navigating Postpartum Recovery »

Comments

  1. Amy says

    February 19, 2019 at 8:02 am

    I used to love your videos regardless of the quality! Any content and insight from you always seems to be helpful. I had anorexia and loved your ED content, but I would love to see how your ideals change as you age and grow into your role as a mom.

    Having a baby really does make you see what is important. You no longer have time or energy for things that don’t “spark joy.” Being a boy mom is the best…I have two boys (4 and 2) and they are hilarious!

    Reply
  2. Peyton says

    February 19, 2019 at 8:36 am

    Hi Robyn,
    I very much agree with Amy above. Your content is unmatched in terms of how in-depth and research he’d based everything is. I would love to see your YouTube channel with women’s health videos. Currently with irregular cycles after birth control, i’m watching so many videos that I don’t know if I trust the content. I really appreciate your unedited “low” quality videos honestly. Any the women who come to watch them I’m pretty sure just want answers and solid evidence. Thanks for all that you do Robyn!
    Peyton

    Reply
  3. Susie says

    February 19, 2019 at 9:08 am

    Hi Robyn! I love following your blog and instagram. Unfortunately, I don’t find videos as helpful because it can be hard to find the time to sit down and watch videos or Instagram live. It feels unprofessional to do it at work, and then when I’m at home I’m with a very busy 2 year old (and will have a newborn in about a week or two!). It’s much easier to catch up on a blog post over my morning coffee as I settle into my desk. But that’s just me! Either way, I appreciate your content and love your message!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:25 pm

      Thank you Susie!! I’ll still do posts here and there for those that enjoy them 🙂 And goodness you have your hands full – best to you in these coming weeks with your new sweet babe!!

      Reply
  4. Genevieve Miller says

    February 19, 2019 at 9:18 am

    For the record, I would LOVE to see youtube videos from you again in whatever quality! Honestly one of the things I love most about your content and mission is that it’s completely authentic and unfiltered, so videos with that similar vibe would be a welcome respite in a world of perfectly planned and styled social media content. Your Instagram live videos are one of the highlights of my week because it feels like you’re sitting in my living room chatting with me over a cup of coffee and sharing advice and wisdom from a place of empathy like any friend would.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:24 pm

      so videos with that similar vibe would be a welcome respite in a world of perfectly planned and styled social media content.

      Thank you for this!!

      Reply
  5. Genevieve Miller says

    February 19, 2019 at 9:23 am

    Oh actually, to follow up on my previous comment, I read the comment from Susie who posted before me and completely understood that Instagram live might not be ideal in her season of life. That being said, it made me think of something I’ve actually been wondering for a long time: Would you ever be interested in having a podcast? It wouldn’t even have to be as curated as setting up guest interviews (although you could do that if you were interested), but it could be as simple as you choosing a topic to talk about for 15-20 minutes each week and/or sharing a few resources or weekly thoughts. You could even do it in the same style as Instagram live and answer questions from followers, but it would be easier for people to listen to because you can save podcasts and re-listen to them over time. So in Susie’s case, she could play the podcast out loud or in her headphones at her leisure while doing something else like driving to work!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:24 pm

      Thank you for the idea! I’ve gotten asked to start a podcast so many times over the years but your comment made me think that it doesn’t have to be 60-75 min episodes but rather short snippets of digestible content. Thank YOU for encouraging me!

      Reply
      • Genevieve Miller says

        February 20, 2019 at 9:18 am

        Oh my goodness I’m so glad that it helped! I think you could absolutely make it whatever you wanted it to be, and it would be such a wonderful and lasting resource for women in all seasons of life. 🙂

        Reply
    • Jen says

      March 1, 2019 at 5:40 pm

      Completely agree with the short podcast idea!! Absolutly love listening to podcasts but quite honestly really love the ones I have heard that aren’t interviews at all, but just “thoughts”!! I have missed your intuitive eating views. Too much social media leans to heavily on eat whatever you want whenever you want to & I always felt you did a good job of showing a bigger picture!

      Reply
  6. Angie says

    February 19, 2019 at 10:21 am

    Hi! I agree with most the other posts! I would love your videos. Your research and quality of knowledge is amazing!! I also love your Instagram lives!!! They are so insightful!!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:23 pm

      Thanks for the feedback Angie!

      Reply
  7. Liz says

    February 19, 2019 at 10:23 am

    I don’t like videos since I often want to skim blogs or articles while on the bus or in a quick gap at work. However, you should do what’s best for your business. Best of luck!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:22 pm

      The blog will still have sporadic posts – so hopefully you still enjoy those!

      Reply
  8. A says

    February 19, 2019 at 10:33 am

    I like the posts when you share snapshots of what you’ve made and eaten that week because I have similar tastes and I find your choices realistic as a person who has a job and other responsibilities.I’ve also enjoyed when you given some insight as to how you made choices about meals/snacks.

    I am not the biggest fan of Stories or Lives because it can be difficult to find the time to watch and then it’s gone in 24 hrs.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:22 pm

      Thank you for the input!

      Reply
  9. Zoe Brown says

    February 19, 2019 at 10:57 am

    I know it’s been mentioned already above but I love the idea of a Podcast for these topics! If this fits into your design of life, it would be a great way to verbally continue to spread your message.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:22 pm

      This idea is growing on me!

      Reply
      • Connie says

        February 19, 2019 at 9:18 pm

        THE REAL LIFE PODCAST?! Robyn- YAS.

        Reply
  10. Nicole says

    February 19, 2019 at 11:22 am

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I have watched some of your videos on YouTube and enjoyed them and learned from them. I didn’t mind that there wasn’t any fancy editing or things like that. I mostly listen to YouTube videos or podcasts when I am cooking, cleaning, or exercising-so not necessarily looking at the screen anyways just hearing the content while I do something else. I most enjoy how you incorporate IE and self care into your daily life so whether that is posts about what you ate, principles of IE, women’s health issues, or posts based on your new life stage as a mom, I find it interesting, relatable, helpful, and applicable to me or someone I know. And I think whichever format seems most-doable is great, I just like hearing your perspectives and find them so helpful. So whether that is more videos or instagram lives or posts, I would watch/listen/read them!! I know that is not very specific, but basically whatever you feel compelled to share I would be happy to follow along and learn from 🙂

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:21 pm

      I have quickly learned you guys don’t care about professionally editing and I love that! So freeing for me. Love your support Nicole!

      Reply
  11. Julie says

    February 19, 2019 at 12:00 pm

    I LOVED watching your videos! They were always so authentic and real. I miss them and would really enjoy more.

    Xoxo,

    Julie

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:21 pm

      Noting this Julie!

      Reply
  12. Jenna says

    February 19, 2019 at 12:37 pm

    I LOVE all your work Robyn!!! You do you girl. I completely understand where you are coming from. You are incredible at everything you do and are by far my favorite influencer and I love that you love Jesus! Anyway, keep praying about it — the Lord will direct you. YouTube unfiltered or an easy podcast unedited would be awesome! Even one with Jessi Haggerty would be a fun duo to start! Thanks for sharing your heart!! 💕

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:20 pm

      Love Jess!! Thanks for your encouragement Jenna 🙂

      Reply
  13. Mckenzie Cunningham says

    February 19, 2019 at 12:41 pm

    Love both your videos and blog content! Your IG stories and posts are always ones I make sure to read/watch. Personally, I always gravitate more toward blogs though just because they’re easier to skim, to come back to if I want to look for some information, etc. Funnily enough, I find podcasts almost easier to digest than videos, since I normally listen to them while I’m driving! But I am so happy that you’ve realized that writing blog/IG posts isn’t where your heart’s at! Just a thought, but maybe you could provide a Cliff Notes version of your IG lives and videos here on the blog? Kind of as an overview for people who didn’t get to watch them.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:20 pm

      I have gotten a lot of positive podcast feedback so maybe that is in the future if I can find a way to make it feel simple to produce 🙂

      Reply
  14. Allie says

    February 19, 2019 at 1:26 pm

    I originally found your blog when I was transitioning to intuitive eating and being less strict, and because of that, I honestly really love your blog posts where you share what you’ve eaten, and day in the life posts. I started getting into blogs in 2014 when it was less about evergreen content and more day in the life, this is what I ate types of posts,weekend highglights, etc… so those are the only types that I read. I read blogs less for information and more to forget all of the crazy in the world.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:19 pm

      Thanks for your input Allie! I hear ya 🙂

      Reply
  15. Elizabeth says

    February 19, 2019 at 1:54 pm

    Hi Robyn, just have to say how excited I was to see a new post from you! So glad you’ve had time to enjoy your baby and recover! I love how honest you are and to be honest, have missed being able to read your content. Stories/live hours just don’t work great for my schedule but I do try to watch them when I can because I enjoy the spontaneity of them. I second everyone saying how a podcast would be fun as I rarely drive without one on.

    You’ve really inspired me to work hard towards health and not a certain weight-your blog is one of few that do so. I can tell you that I’m so grateful for the timing of when I found your blog otherwise I believe I might be in a much different place with my mental and emotional health . I also really love seeing new recipes and finding different ways to enjoy food. THANK YOU!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:19 pm

      I have loved the podcast idea!! It means SO MUCH that this content and space has been so impactful for you <3

      Reply
  16. katherine says

    February 19, 2019 at 2:03 pm

    Thank you for being real! I have loved your content – the mix of well-researched ones to a peak into intuitive eating and I would be lying to say I wouldn’t miss them, but I understand how your heart needs to be in it! I do love you IG lives a lot and would be totally fine with basic youtube videos!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:18 pm

      Thank you Katherine <3

      Reply
  17. Tayler says

    February 19, 2019 at 2:45 pm

    Robyn, I would LOVE if you had a podcast. Not sure if you have pondered upon it much, but I think it would be fantastic!

    P.S. I’ve been reading since sophomore year of college and I am gradating this May, first time commenting!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:17 pm

      Since seeing your comment I’ve been mulling over this all day – thanks for the idea and encouragement 🙂 Perhaps that is in the future. And thank YOU for following all these years!

      Reply
  18. Leah says

    February 19, 2019 at 3:07 pm

    Hi Robyn! I’d love any kind of content you put out. Honestly, I dislike the push for professional style videos and blogs. I read or listen for content. I’m usually doing household chores while listening to things so quality doesn’t matter that much. I’d love sharing women’s health post baby, body positive as we age and after becoming a mom. I know you will find the right balance for your season now.

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:17 pm

      I love that you enjoy the “less professional” content – I do too when reading! I think because we as humans love to connect with other humans in a relatable way 🙂

      Reply
      • Leah says

        February 19, 2019 at 10:59 pm

        Yes! I agree. You keep it real and I can relate to you. Has kept me reading and following you for many years.

        Reply
  19. Manasa says

    February 19, 2019 at 3:38 pm

    I’ve always loved your videos, and they allow more access than a ig story that disappears. I actually enjoy that your videos are raw and real…much more relatable that way.
    As a pregnany woman I would love more pregnancy and postpartum content…Love your blog, IG and Youtube videos, I’m sure whatever content you feel most drawn to create in whichever form will be absolutely great!

    Looking forward to seeing more in March!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:16 pm

      I certainly plan on more reproductive + women’s health content!! Thanks Manasa 🙂

      Reply
  20. Katelyn Wood says

    February 19, 2019 at 4:31 pm

    Hi Robyn, so nice to hear from you again in this space. I would LOVE to hear more about how post-partum life has been treating you in March 🙂 I would personally be very sad if you stopped blogging because I really look forward to reading your content rather than sitting in front of my phone listening or watching videos. I truly enjoy your perspective and would really miss you in this space if you left! 🙁

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:15 pm

      I do have a postpartum post planned – not a personal recap but more educational written from my own experience too 🙂 Thank you so much for following Katelyn – means a lot!!

      Reply
  21. Jillian says

    February 19, 2019 at 4:47 pm

    I love when you do simple blog posts of what you are in a day. It has really helped me see what normal eating is. And it would be interesting to see how it’s changed for you since having a baby!

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:14 pm

      I do enjoy those occasional posts since they are fun and pretty quick to publish – which is important with limited time these days 🙂

      Reply
  22. Olivia says

    February 19, 2019 at 5:53 pm

    I think that Insta stories that you save to highlights would be a great idea! I personally love your written content because I absorb that information better and I love being able to skim around things whereas in videos you can’t do that. But honestly, the fact that you are doing so much for women without charging is a blessing in and of itself. The Lord used you to totally take me out of restricted eating mindset and Free me from a lingering eating disorder. So I’m pretty darn thankful for any content that you share. I also fully support the totally on edited YouTube videos. It’s way more real and I think you’re freaking awesome so you don’t need to edit

    Reply
    • Robyn says

      February 19, 2019 at 7:14 pm

      I need to utilize highlights more! thanks for your input Olivia!

      Reply
  23. Liz B says

    February 19, 2019 at 9:37 pm

    Hi Robyn! I was SO excited to see a new post this morning form you. You inspire me by digging deep and realizing blogging / creating new content all of the time is just not feeling right for you in this season of life. I think it’s easy to tell when bloggers just push out content because that’s what they think they have to do to keep their readers/followers happy and there is not heart behind it. I like your idea for getting creative and asking us what we think too as the consumers! Kudos to you for realizing this as well!

    I so appreciate all of the content you share and the resources you also connect people with. I agree that blogs can be a quick and easy skim at work or on a phone… I love the idea of a podcast. I also love your live Q+A’s and would also like YouTube videos. Maybe you could do a podcast episode for each question you receive or something? I think podcast would be the easiest for me to access at this time in my life. But you produce so much useful and amazing information that truth be told I’d follow you on any platform girl!! Lol. Best of luck on your journey- and enjoy the remainder of your leave ❤️

    -Liz B

    Reply
  24. Ashley says

    February 19, 2019 at 11:41 pm

    Although your blog posts are awesome, I understand that it makes more sense and brings you more joy to focus on videos and speaking. However, I think that more fun, light-hearted content (life updates, fun food ideas) are perfect for blog posts and can be short with simple pictures and ramblings. I don’t believe a “good” blog post has to be curated or have a specific topic, and your life posts ensure that you stay relatable to your followers =) You are so humble and sweet to be open to everyone’s feedback. And honestly, if you follow your intuition, the people you are meant to guide will continue to follow you because they resonate with your mission!

    Reply
  25. Kelly says

    February 20, 2019 at 7:40 am

    I love reading your blog posts but I think being able to go back and watch videos would be great. Now that I have a superlong commute I love being able to listen to things educational as I drive.

    Reply
  26. Samantha says

    February 20, 2019 at 11:49 am

    Hi Robyn,
    I’m so glad you have returned to both the blogging and Instagram stories / lives after taking some time off to spend with your baby boy!
    This blog and your Instagram are warmly welcomed back into my life. I love coming to the blog to “connect” with you, learn from you and feel grounded from your words. It’s definitely a space where I feel safe and inspired! I honestly don’t have a huge preference between blog posts, Instagram or YouTube as they are all methods in which to get points across. Sometimes it’s nice to sit with a mug of tea and read things / scroll through your pictures and other days while I cook dinner or am relaxing in the evening, tuning into an Instagram live or watching stories is what appeals. Either way, I’m glad you’re making your way back to us … we’ve missed you!

    Reply
  27. Sophie says

    February 20, 2019 at 1:58 pm

    I think that writing posts without really enjoying it can often show in the post and I say don’t bother if you don’t want to. Do what feels interesting and more like you and if that’s in stories or videos? Do it!

    I enjoy your more ‘real’ posts like snapshots of what you eat because we have almost identical taste buds and I love being inspired (slightly selfish on my part sorry 😂) but also would love videos and I think most of us don’t care about the quality or edit as long as we can hear you clearly 😊
    Thank you for all that you do! I’m a uk student MH nurse and you inspire me xx

    Reply
  28. Emily Swanson says

    February 20, 2019 at 3:23 pm

    I LOVE your blog posts about life. I LOVED your videos. I really don’t care about how they’re edited, because you provide so much valuable information that’s hard to get elsewhere. I really love your Instagram live videos and how personal they are; I love your comments on Instagram stories about various things re: women’s health.

    And I love how your vision is getting broader to focus more on general women’s health along with still encouraging recovery and intuitive eating. <3 You've always been one of the most treasured voices and gifts by God's grace in the area of all things women's health.

    Reply
  29. Kelsey says

    February 20, 2019 at 10:19 pm

    I know many people have mentioned it above, but here’s another vote for a podcast 🙂 I love the videos or ‘auditory’ content, but only have a limited amount of data on my cell phone, so streaming videos or instagram live isn’t a great option for me when I’m usually available to listen (in the car, walking the dog). So something like a podcast that I could download and listen to on the go would be ideal! And I have several podcasts I listen to that aren’t long-form either – anywhere from 8-30minutes is about as long as my attention span anyways 🙂

    Reply
  30. Shana says

    February 21, 2019 at 7:03 am

    I think it’s awesome when bloggers follow their natural trajectory instead of trying to stick with a certain format because it “works.” Our lives are not static and I wouldn’t expect a blog to look exactly the same year after year. That wouldn’t be authentic. My career goals in mental health shifted after having kids and now I have a strong interest in postpartum mental health. Follow your heart and do what feels best for you! Your followers may change, but because you say things so eloquently, people will benefit from the content. You have made a huge impact in the body image/eating space and will continue to do great things in whatever format you choose!

    Reply
  31. Jenn says

    February 21, 2019 at 9:55 am

    I would love more info on perimenopause/menopause and intuitive eating/body image/menstrual cycles. Also I echo other readers that I love the blog posts, don’t do stories because it’s hard to find time to sit and watch those, but would totally be into podcast. You can listen while driving or exercising.

    Reply
  32. Kari S. says

    February 24, 2019 at 10:16 pm

    Hi Robyn! I really appreciate your Facebook and Instagram live videos! I also like your “5 Things” blog posts and think they’re a fun round-up of what products, recipes, foods, etc. you’re enjoying. If you decide to go back to making YouTube videos, I really don’t care about video quality – it’s the content I care about, which, anything from you is always stellar. I support whatever decision you make in regards to blogging, Instagram, etc. and am thinking of you as you transition into a new season of life!

    Reply
  33. Amy says

    February 24, 2019 at 11:15 pm

    Your IG posts of what food you’re into have been SO helpful for me bc I’m a visual learner & they have inspired me (I see so many photos of diet culture “clean” food & yours are an antidote). I don’t watch videos but will follow your IG & am happy to learn more about women’s health. I love your honesty about your current transition and Interests. Thank you for all you’ve posted & congrats on your Bebe!

    Reply
  34. Lizzy says

    February 27, 2019 at 12:06 pm

    Your videos are my favorite of all your contemt. I still go back and watch them!! I’d love more.

    Reply
  35. Sara H says

    March 1, 2019 at 12:00 pm

    Videos, blog, does not matter to me! Info from you in any form is really great! I wish you lived near Chicago or took my insurance! I could really use your help with what is going on with me. Because honestly, I’m not sure my doctors know. They think it’s anxiety. I know hormones are playing a role and I’m thinking a bigger role than my doctors think. Anyway, I digress. You need to do what works for you!

    Reply
  36. Delaney says

    March 1, 2019 at 11:48 pm

    Hi Robyn,

    I LOVED your YouTube videos—absolutely no need for editing your invaluable content. Coming from someone who has deleted all social media accounts (EDs and instagram don’t mix), I’d love to see you post videos to YouTube again; since I don’t have an Instagram, I can’t view stories or watch live videos (one must have an account for that). I wonder if you could post your live videos onto the blog (or YouTube). I’m probably in the minority over here in no-social-media land, but just a suggestion from someone who loves learning through you.

    Reply
  37. tommi says

    March 4, 2019 at 9:06 pm

    i used to weigh 310lbs, i had tried every diet and exercise over the past 5 years. last year i had a baby boy and it made me motivated totry again to get healthy so that i could truly be there for my sone. 4 months ago i found this http://bit.ly/freefromfat i now weigh in at 245lbs and im still losing weight.i couldnt be happier, i have more energy than ever and look forward to each new day. i hpe to get to 160 lbs one day. wish me luck everyone as i
    carry on with http://bit.ly/freefromfat i hope it doesnt stop working! 🙂

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A non-diet dietitian and nurse practitioner helping women find peace with food, accept their natural body size and heal from hormonal issues and period problems.

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I have yet to experience postpartum myself, but I've had many clients and readers that have been through that season of life. Or perhaps you are currently living through the postpartum period. Every woman's body is different, therefore every woman's experience after giving birth will be different. What works for one woman, might not work for the next. While one woman might go through postpartum and adjust to newborn life quiet seamlessly, another woman might find it much more difficult. She might need the support of medication, therapy, extra help and many other things. One way is not better than the other - they are simply two different ways of navigating the postpartum period. I hope this post helps you better care for yourself, whatever that means for you. There's no right or wrong way to care for yourself as a mom or your new baby.

Postpartum Hormones: what’s happening in your body and how to care for yourself

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A little way I’m learning to enjoy these years o A little way I’m learning to enjoy these years of getting to spend so much time with my kids: aka another way I’m discovering some pockets of peace so my heart & mind & soul don’t crumble under the reality of dependent & emotionally dysregulated tiny humans.  About once a week we go somewhere for baked goods. We drive or walk, buy something buttery & then find a beautiful, relatively quiet outdoor spot where the boys can romp and I can sit and think my thoughts while I watch them play. This past week we were found ourselves at the Wool Factory where the boys threw rocks & whatever else off the bridge while I ate 90% of this almond 🥐 from @coucourachou that will blow your mind. Boys ate the other 10% bc they were busy playing and didn’t ask for more quickly enough 😜  I’m finding *for me* playgrounds have a time & place but they aren’t where I enjoy motherhood & my two toddlers the most. Baked goods & a pretty outdoor spot without high drops my 15 month old could launch himself off of…I’m here for it.
I brought this bag of snacks along when I took the I brought this bag of snacks along when I took the boys to hike out at one of our favorite spots last week and when I ripped it open I was regretting my choice to share them with my kids. @baresnacks randomly sent me a box of snacks and I usually eat free food we receive or give it to a friend/neighbor and move on. But I felt it my duty to tell you about these bc they are THAT GOOD. I’m not getting paid and this isn’t sponsored - I was just shocked at how tasty these were and felt you needed to know. We ate them with some buttery roasted nuts and the combo was 👌🏻 but they are good just on their own.  The boys climbed rocks and swam in the reservoir - leave it to my almost 3 year old to want to strip down naked and fully submerge himself in chilly water on a sixty degree morning. “Mama can I get super nakey?” Sure baby. Sure. This is your childhood.
It’s a hard sell to get me to accept an offer of It’s a hard sell to get me to accept an offer of extended alone time away from the babies to just be. And that isn’t something that’s best for me, it’s an area I gotta grow in. So this afternoon when Nick pushed me out the door and was like - get out of here plzzzz - I walked to my favorite cafe and ordered a thick pastrami sandwich and sat there for a good LONG while before taking a long, peaceful walk in the rain to wrap up the afternoon. Note to self: stop being such a control freak and go be by yourself sometimes.
a girlfriend brought me a 🍪 the size of my face a girlfriend brought me a 🍪 the size of my face from @mariebettecafe this morning when she came to get her toddler who played with us all morning and it is v good. even better when paired with an iced latte 😍
#AlignPartner I left off a few weeks ago sharing a #AlignPartner I left off a few weeks ago sharing about how taking @alignprobiotic regularly has improved my digestive regularity.  And I’m still taking them! I’ve permanently added Align 24/7 Digestive Support* into the roundup of supplements I take before bed (prenatal, vitamin D, choline & DHA - all which help keep me healthy while breastfeeding) so I can keep seeing the benefits.  Just because you see benefits, doesn’t mean you should stop taking your probiotic. Keep taking Align daily (under the supervision and recommendation of your health care provider of course) to keep seeing the benefits!  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - one of my favorite parts of Align probiotics is that they don’t need refrigeration AND they come in a convenient little blister pack that has the days labeled. It’s the little things people! #MyAlignGuutJourney #guthealth  *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
I realized it was going to be a long, hot afternoo I realized it was going to be a long, hot afternoon (91 and muggy in MAY 🤯) when a toddler nap was refused and a baby nap was cut wildly short ....so my tired mom brain pulled out two plastic storage bins, filled them up with soap & hose water and striped ‘em down naked in the yard. Two hours later, it was almost time for an early dinner and I had magically been able to sit for most of that time and we already had baths checked off the list. 👍🏻 I’m archiving this idea for my future self, hope it helps another tired mama out.
#AlignPartner I left off a month ago sharing about #AlignPartner I left off a month ago sharing about getting better at doing the basics to care for myself which included taking my supplements and @alignprobiotic regularly.  Probiotics take time to work so I wanted to give it a full month to see the full effects of @alignprobiotic. So here are my honest thoughts: it took a few weeks to notice any differences, but near the end of the month I did notice some changes in my digestive balance - even while traveling! I’m not someone who experiences occasional gas, bloating or abdominal discomfort frequently enough to notice a difference, so I don’t feel like I can comment on how well Align works for those benefits.  All in all though, taking @alignprobiotic was a positive experience and I really appreciated how the capsules don’t need to be stored in the fridge, making it convenient to take them with me anywhere #MyAlignGuutJourney #guthealth  *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Where we will spend a good majority of our summer. Where we will spend a good majority of our summer. Because the swampy VA summer has already begun (it’s in the low 90s today 🥵 lord help) and creeks are our retreat - not only from the heat but also from the noisy world. I need this just (if not more) than they do! We’ll be at the splash pads and pools too, but the quietness of the creek...my mental health is so about it. And it’s hours of play for them! Win win.  A couple things to note: this scene also included a few toddler reminders on finding another direction to throw rocks instead of at his brother - so not all is serene 🤪 and also, yes I am now that mom who buys the same clothing for both kids bc it keeps things simple & i think i kinda like it too 🤷🏻‍♀️
Things I love about midwifery among many: the appo Things I love about midwifery among many: the appointments, no matter how long, feel so unhurried. 
Just walked in from an appointment with my midwife because I was due for a Pap test + an overall wellness visit. My last pap was during my first trimester with Cal which feels like a jillion years ago, but it’s only actually been three years. Life changes so fast! Pre-baby life feels like a whole other life.  I’m wayyyy overdue for a visit to my PCP bc I’ve been under OBGYN or midwifery care for the majority of the past three years while having babies, but I am pretty good with keeping up with my paps. It seems women often think they need pap and/or HPV testing way more frequently than they do (and providers sometimes perform these tests more frequently than necessary - remember more testing doesn’t always mean better outcomes!)  So if you need it, here’s a quick little reminder on this chilly spring Friday afternoon on how often you need this testing (these are the recommendations from ACOG)  Women aged 21–29 years should have a Pap test alone every 3 years. HPV testing is not recommended.  Women aged 30–65 years should have a Pap test and an HPV test (aka co-testing) every 5 years (preferred). It also is acceptable to have a Pap test alone every 3 years.  If you get abnormal results, this testing frequency could change - but for healthy women with normal results, you actually don’t need testing as frequently as you might think. Which is great news for those of you who hate the speculum.  Ok, off to finish up some things on the to-do list (including cleaning this kitchen) during nap time and then come 5 o’clock, crack an IPA with our neighbors 🍻
#AlignPartner Over the past seven months since bec #AlignPartner Over the past seven months since becoming a mom of two, caring for myself has gotten shoved to the back burner. And it's been a challenge to make it a priority. My routine-resistant personality has upsides and downsides when it comes to motherhood. So I'm starting small this year with a consistent bedtime routine that includes taking my supplements and @alignprobiotic and hoping as that becomes consistent, my mornings will naturally shift too.  In short my bedtime currently goes like this….jammies & face care when putting the babies to bed. Before I go to bed (anytime between 9pm and 12am...) I’ll pump, take my supplements and fill my water. Then I go upstairs and brush my teeth. And then get in bed. The kicker: 70% of the time I find myself finishing up tasks on my phone IN BED. I hate this habit.  Back to supplements. This is something I have been able to stick with. On top of fish oil, my prenatal, choline and vitamin D, I recently added @AlignProbiotic 24/7 Digestive Support*§ to see if it helps with abdominal discomfort and regularity because when I don’t drink coffee or am traveling that can get thrown off.  I’ll be taking it every day for the next 28 days since it takes TIME for our bodies to adjust to probiotics - and I'll be taking you guys along with me as I share my honest thoughts. Many people think if they don’t see changes within the first 7-10 days then the probiotic isn’t working, but that’s not the case. I’m giving myself more than just a week or two and instead a full month to see the full benefits. I’ll keep you posted over the next month. Check out my stories to learn more! #MyAlignGutJourney #guthealth
 
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
We had an AFTERNOON today. Toddler didn’t care f We had an AFTERNOON today. Toddler didn’t care for a nap. Putting baby down was harder than I wanted it to be. Miraculously, I had a moment of clarity as I was covered in tiny humans and decided I wasn’t doing the nap battle thing a on 60 degree, gorgeous, sunny spring day 🙅🏻‍♀️ so I piled both babies into the car half naked, opened the sun roof, put on white noise for them and an audio book for me and drank a kombucha as I drove a meal to a postpartum mama. Thirty five minutes later we had a sleeping baby and a toddler who at least had a rest. Baby transferred without waking HALLELUJAH and although my toddler didn’t nap today (lord help) at least we got soaked in breezy sunshine 😎🤘🏻💆🏻‍♀️
We veered from our usual Friday night homemade piz We veered from our usual Friday night homemade pizza (minus the dough, we leave that to @albemarlebakingco) because we are eating pizza tomorrow with some friends - instead I called my mom and asked her how she makes her chicken fingers and we fried up a big ole batch of chicken nugs 🙌🏻🤤 along with a sheet pan full of sweet potato fries and a simple arugula salad dressed with parmesean, olive oil and s&p. Oh and my moms honey mustard recipe for dipping. It’s SO DANG GOOD.  Over the past 6ish months we’ve been practicing (and practicing and practicing bc it doesn’t come naturally) unplugging from technology and slowing down and resting and just being for one day a week. Some call it Shabbat. Some call it Sabbath. Maybe you call it something different. All I know is IT IS SO GOOD FOR MY WEARY SOUL and the day I look forward to ALL WEEK. Sundown on Friday to sundown Saturday. Nothing but rest. For us that means hiking (or something outside) and napping and reading and being with friends and eating really good food. And drinking some really good wine or craft beer. Sometimes whiskey. 😛  And because I know I’ll get asked about the chicken finger recipe and also because it’s too good not to share and Momma Coale said I could, here ya go:  Cut chicken breast into thin strips or small pieces (I prefer nug size bc the breading to chicken ratio is perfection). Salt and pepper those babies really well. Then dredge them in all purpose flour, then egg, then panko - just like you would bread anything else. Then fry them up in a light oil - I use avocado oil because that’s our everyday oil. You could also use canola or peanut oil. Just fill a pan with an inch or so of oil on medium high heat. They only take 2-3 minutes per side. You can always temp them to make sure they are at least 165 degrees F to really make sure they are done. Dunk in all the sauces and enjoy!  Happy weekend!

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